Oskaloosa Student Council Donates Baby Blankets to Mahaska Health

Members of the Oskaloosa High School Student Council and Mahaska Health Birthing Center Director Heather Cook (right) are shown with the baby blankets the students recently donated to the Birthing Center. (submitted photo)

MAHASKA COUNTY – As part of a school-wide community service learning project, the Oskaloosa High School Student Council recently donated 30 baby blankets to the Mahaska Health Birthing Center.

According to Student Council Advisor Kim Gile, OHS students also donated lap blankets and treat bags to area nursing homes for residents, and one group of students played BINGO with the residents. “This service learning project was a great opportunity for the students to understand the value and impact they can have by serving others in our community,” Gile said.

All students helped make the tie blankets and goodie bags during homeroom. Ms. VanMersbergen’s Fashion 2 Class sewed the fabric together for the students before they were tied.

“They made blankets for both the older residents as well as the newest residents of our community. They had a lot of fun making the blankets and were excited to give them to people who would appreciate them.”

Gile said that by participating in community service projects, students have the opportunity to become active members of their community and make a positive impact. “These students are our future leaders and they understand the value of donating their time and talents, which as their advisor makes me very proud.”

Birthing Center Director Heather Cook said the blankets are especially nice as the winter weather arrives. “We will offer the blankets to the moms of all of our newborns,” Cook said. “For some, it will be the only blanket they go home with, so this donation is very special.”